Salbutamol is a bronchodilator used to treat breathing problems such as wheezing and shortness of breath. The condition is particularly;
During a wheezing attack, the air passages into the lungs become narrow which makes it difficult to breathe. Salbutamol helps the airways to open up and relieve symptoms of the attack.
This prescription is also used;
- To prevent bronchospasm in patients with emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, and other lung diseases
- To prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise
Adrenergic bronchodilators are medicines that are breathed in through the mouth to open up the air passages (bronchial tubes) in the lungs. They relieve shortness of breath, wheezing, troubled breathing, and cough, by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes. In 2004, the FDA has approved this drug because of its effectiveness in relieving the symptoms of the attack.
Salbutamol stimulates the beta-2 receptors receptors in the lungs. This relaxes the muscles in the airways and permits the airways to open. In conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, the airways become narrowed and it’s difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By opening the airways, this drug makes it easier to breathe.
When and How to Use Salbutamol
The dosage of this medication will depend on your medical condition, age, and response to the treatment.
The typical dosage to relieve symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing is:
- Adults and children older than 12 years of age: 32 milligrams each day and must not take more than that.
- Children aged 6 to 12 years: 24 milligrams each day and must not take more than that.
Salbutamol should start working as soon as each dose is given and they should start to breathe more easily. Make sure you understand how to correctly use this prescription. Follow all the required instructions given. Do not use the drug more frequently without the approval of your doctor. Excessive use might result in decreased effectiveness and increased side effects.
Possible Side Effects of Salbutamol
Common side effects:
- Headaches
- Feeling shaky
- Faster heartbeat for a short while
- Muscle cramps
Serious side effects:
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Muscle cramps
- A heartbeat that does not feel normal
- A very bad headache
- Very bad dizziness or you pass out
- Chest pain particularly if you also have a fast heartbeat or your heartbeat does not feel normal
These side effects are not risky and they must slowly improve as your body gets used to Salbutamol. Contact your doctor if these or any other side effects bother you or do not go away.
What Should I Know Before Taking Salbutamol
- Salbutamol can be used by adults and children of all ages.
- Check with your doctor if you have any allergies, taking other medications or prescription drugs, and have a rare inherited digestive disorder.
- Use this prescription only when it is needed.
- Salbutamol must be used with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women. If in doubt, you need to consult your doctor first and discuss some risks.
Getting the Best Result from Salbutamol
- Keep your usual appointments with your asthma clinic and doctor. It is to let your doctor review your condition regularly.
- Make sure that you keep your medication with you all the time in case you need to use it. It must provide you a relief for several hours. If you feel that it is not working, you must let your asthma doctor know at once.
- Carefully read your asthma action plan from your doctor. It will tell you how to manage your asthma and it will also say what to do if you have an asthma attack.
- If you are using other inhalers at the same time, use the Salbutamol first and then wait for a few minutes before using the other inhalers.
- Do not smoke. Smoking causes damage to the lungs and will make your condition worse. Talk with your doctor for more advice if you find it hard to stop smoking.
- If at whatever time your breathing worsens, continue to use your inhalers but also contact your doctor for advice right away. Also, if you are to use the maximum number of Salbutamol every day, you must let your doctor know about this as well, as you might need additional treatment.